5 facts about Social Security
As Washington wrangles over the budget deadlock, a look at how Social Security works.
More Concern About the Debt Limit, But Skepticism Persists
Public concern over breaching the debt limit deadline has risen only slightly from a week ago. Among those who see no dire economic consequences from missing the Thursday deadline, most say there is no need to raise the debt limit at all.
5 facts about the national debt: What you should know
Basic facts on the national debt: How big it is, who we owe it to, how much we pay in interest and more
Partisans Dug in on Budget Impasse
44% of Americans say that Republican leaders should agree to a budget deal without cuts or delays to the 2010 health care law, while 42% say it is Obama who should agree to cuts or delays in the law.
On Twitter: Dueling views on the shutdown and Obamacare
Two separate, but related conversations have been prominent on Twitter—one about the government shutdown and the other about President Obama’s health care law, the landmark legislation at the heart of the Congressional impasse that triggered the shutdown.
Federal government shutdown: The data casualties
Which federal data sources are, aren’t and may be affected by the government shutdown.
How much might a government shutdown cost? Plenty, history says
The estimated cost of the two federal government shutdowns in fiscal 1996 was more than $1.4 billion ($2.1 billion in today’s dollars).
Public Anger at Government Rises
Overall, 26% of Americans say they are angry at the federal government, while 51% feel frustrated. Just 17% say they are basically content with the government. Anger is most palpable among conservative Republicans.
The last government shutdown and now: a different environment
As the government faces its first shutdown since 1995-1996, the standoff between the Obama administration and Republicans over the federal budget is occurring in a different public opinion environment than when President Bill Clinton faced off with the GOP-controlled House.
Lessons from the last government shutdown
The 1995-1996 government shutdowns didn’t help the GOP’s image, but the party had lost support among the public well before they happened.
